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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, December 4, 2014 | 8 Fare Share provides more than food security by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Oakville's Fare Share food bank doesn't just deal with empty tummies, but with the minds and hearts of its clients as well, according to volunteer president Nancy Bromberg. "Our clients here in Oakville visit our food bank for a variety of reasons. They seek comfort, attention and a meeting place," she said. "We are turning into the wellness business, not only food security." Bromberg continued saying food banks are needed now more than ever, especially during the holiday season, and she hopes the community will be extra generous and mindful during Fare Share's annual Christmas food drive. This year's holiday food drive begins tomorrow (Friday) and runs to Wednesday, Dec. 24 with drop-off locations available at all Oakville grocery stores and fire stations. Donations can also be made at the food bank at 1240 Speers Rd., unit 6. Items in short supply include: baby food; infant and junior jars of fruits and vegetables; diapers, sizes four and six; canned tomatoes and ham; chunky stew; and luncheon meat. The Fare Share food bank's Christmas food drive gets underway Friday (Dec. 5) and continues through Dec. 24. In addition to non-perishable food items, the bank is in particular need of baby food and baby formula. Pictured stocking shelves are Heather Leaver, Fare Share volunteer vice-president, and Jane Howard, Fare Share volunteer | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) Financial donations are also appreciated -- with tax receipts provided -- to purchase perishable food items, such as meats and fish, cheese and fresh and frozen vegetables and fruit. As well, cash donations provide vouchers for families with children to use at local supermarkets for items such as milk and eggs. "Many food bank clients can no longer afford meat, like chicken and ground beef," said Bromberg. "Statistics Canada inflation data, as of July 2014, shows meat prices have climbed 11.5 per cent in the past year. But with the support of the Oakville community, we have been able to purchase chicken and ground beef for our clients over the past 10 years." Fare Share is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, and receives no government funding. The local food bank saw client visits increase 12 per cent in October over last year at the same time. In October 2013, 327 families visited Fare Share, while the food bank served 365 families this year during the same month. "With our emergency order clients, we are serving well in excess of 1,200 people per month... and more than 7,000 kilograms of food is distributed monthly," said Bromberg. The food bank volunteer president also noted Food Banks Canada recently issued its 2014 HungerCount report, which states in Ontario, 36.9 per cent of people helped by food banks are children, while in Oakville that figure is 40 per cent. For more information, visit www. oakvillefoodbank.com. Save 15% on all Christmas Floral Purchases* Annual Open House Saturday December 6th ­ ONE DAY ONLY! FREE ORCHID BOUQUET - first 25 customers PLUS ... Prizes, Snacks and Refreshments Ready-to-go Christmas Bouquets & Arrangements *Excludes wire orders For your memories. For always. Mature gardens. Stately mausoleum. Tranquil cremation paths. Choose your special way to preserve precious memories in the timeless beauty of Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery. At a time of need or when planning ahead, call: ® 100% Satisfaction Guarantee · Open 7 Days a Week · Same Day local Delivery 905-257-1100 Look for us on Facebook glenoaks.ca Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery by Arbor Memorial Oakville Store: 2387 Trafalgar Rd at Postridge · 905-257-0777 11 Ontario Stores: Burlington Oakville Mississauga London (8) www.forestofflowers.com 3164 Ninth Line (403 & Dundas St.), Miss./Oakville, ON Arbor Memorial Inc. Family Owned. Proudly Canadian. www.oakville.ca Give the gift of healthy living! Not sure what to get for that hard-to-buy-for person? Are you that person? Why not add swimming lessons or Zumba classes to your "wish list" this year? Town of Oakville gift certificates make the perfect healthy holiday gift for kids, friends, family or even you! Use them toward any Town of Oakville recreation or culture program or membership. Gift certificates are available for purchase in any denomination at Town Hall, community centres or seniors centres. For more information visit oakville.ca or call 905-338-4250.